Iran's 'A Separation' wins Oscar for foreign film

Los Angeles, February 27, 2012

'A Separation' won the Oscar for best foreign language film on Sunday, becoming the first Iranian movie to win the honour.

Written and directed by Asghar Farhadi, the domestic drama focuses on a couple going through a divorce and touches on traditions, justice, and male-female relationships in modern Iran.

'A Separation' was regarded as the front-runner for the foreign language Oscar after sweeping the awards circuit in Europe and the US. It also garnered an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.

It was the second Iranian film to be nominated for an Oscar, and the first to win.

'At this time, many Iranians all over the world are watching us and I imagine them to be very happy,' director Farhadi said while accepting the Oscar.

'At a time of tug of war, intimidation and aggressions exchanged between politicians, the name of their county, Iran, is spoken here through her glorious culture, a rich and ancient culture that has been hidden under the heavy dust of politics.'

'I proudly offer this award to the people of my country, the people who respect all cultures and civilizations and despise hostility and resentment,' he added.

'A Separation' has received almost universal critical acclaim, gracing many top 10 lists for the best movies of 2011.

Meanwhile, Pakistani filmmaker and first-time Oscar nominee Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy won an Oscar for her documentary about acid attack victims, a first for a Pakistani director.

Her victory shines a spotlight on a subject which affects thousands of women in Pakistan and elsewhere, but is seldom discussed at home.

Speaking exclusively to Reuters via telephone from backstage, Chinoy dedicated the award to the women of Pakistan.

The women's 'bravery and resilience in the face of adversity inspires me every single day,' she said. 'They are the true heroes of Pakistan.'

'Saving Face' chronicles the work of British Pakistani plastic surgeon Mohammad Jawad, who performed reconstructive surgery on survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan.

Co-director Daniel Junge said he had the idea for the film after hearing about Jawad, and asked Chinoy to work with him. He has been previously nominated for both an Oscar and an Emmy.

'To win ... and with such a subject -- it's such an honour,' he said. - Reuters